North country musicians play to help food pantries

WADDINGTON - Bluesman Rick Bates, also known by his stage name Tas Cru, and singer/songwriter Mary Ann Casale will perform June 7 as part of a series of concerts benefiting St. Lawrence County food pantries.

The Re-stock series was kicked off in March with a house concert at Robin McClellans home in Sandfordville and will continue until the end of spring.

Restock is about providing food and donations for local neighborhood centers, said Ms. Casale, Hannawa Falls. It began when Rick and Daisy Cox, director of the Potsdam Neighborhood Center, began talking about a gap in donations after Christmastime.

The solo artists started playing a unique blend of folk, blues and Americana together nearly 30 years ago as students at SUNY Potsdam.

I think its neat people will come out and listen to the music number one, Ms. Casale said. I never gave it much thought about how it made me feel. I thought was something good to do for someone else. It was about having fun with an old friend and if other people will benefit from it, thats wonderful.

Admission to the acoustic concert is $10 or non-perishable food items.

Everybody feels good about it, Ms. Casale said. I have never had to want for food, but I know people that are living on a shoe string. But if I can take something I know how to do well and to help other people, why not?

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Island View Park.

Its a family-oriented and community event, said Mr. Bates, Watertown. Its important for children to understand they too can be a part of it.

In case of inclement weather, the show will be held at United Methodist Church, 116 Lincoln Ave.

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